Emerging Tech: Future Insight
Illustration: an abstract network of digital technology representing interconnected emerging tech. Emerging technologies are rapidly transforming how we live and work. From AI-powered systems that learn and adapt to quantum computers unlocking new scientific frontiers, each innovation promises to overhaul industries. Business leaders and tech professionals are already harnessing these trends: for example, self-driving cars and AI medical diagnostics are moving out of labs into daily use. In this age of convergence, fields like biotechnology and communications are also converging with AI and connectivity. This article surveys the major tech waves—AI, quantum computing, biotechnology, 5G/6G, blockchain/Web3, and XR—highlighting how they’re being applied today and what practical benefits (and challenges) they bring.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
AI continues to power astonishing breakthroughs. Modern AI (especially Generative AI like ChatGPT, DALL·E, or Bard) is now integrated into everything from customer service to creative design. Large language and vision models automate content creation and analysis; for example, businesses use AI chatbots for support, and companies like OpenAI and Google are embedding AI into office tools. In healthcare, AI is making huge inroads: in 2023, the FDA approved 223 AI-enabled medical devices—up from only 6 in 2015hai.stanford.edu. AI-driven diagnostics, imaging, and wearable sensors help doctors detect disease earlier. Autonomous vehicles are another concrete AI example: Waymo now provides 150,000 driverless rides per week, and Baidu’s robotaxi service (Apollo Go) operates in many Chinese cities.
Key impacts of AI include efficiency gains and new capabilities. In business, 78% of organizations reported using AI in 2024, up from 55% in 2023hai.stanford.edu. Companies invest heavily (over $109 billion in U.S. private AI funding in 2024hai.stanford.edu) to tap AI’s productivity boost. AI systems can automate routine tasks (customer queries, data entry, quality inspection) and augment human decision-making. For instance, AI in finance can speed up loan approvals and fraud detection. However, these changes also raise issues—workforce retraining is needed as AI automates jobs, and leaders must manage ethical risks (bias, misinformation, privacy).
Real-world examples:
Chatbots and Virtual Assistants: Businesses like customer support and IT now commonly use AI chatbots (e.g., ChatGPT-based agents) to answer queries, draft emails, or even generate code.
Self-driving Cars: Companies such as Tesla, Waymo, and Baidu employ AI to power autonomous driving features, aiming to reduce traffic accidents and improve transportation.
AI in Healthcare: Startups and hospitals use AI for image analysis (e.g., detecting tumors on scans), predictive analytics for patient care, and personalized treatment plans. The dramatic rise in FDA-approved AI medical hai.stanford.edu shows AI moving from research to real clinics.
Recommendation and Personalization: Streaming services, online retailers, and social media platforms use AI to recommend content or products tailored to individual tastes, improving user engagement and sales.
The ongoing trend is that AI becomes more capable, affordable, and embedded in every industry. Companies that leverage AI today report higher productivity, and AI skills are becoming indispensable in the workforce.
Quantum Computing
Quantum computing uses the counterintuitive rules of quantum mechanics (superposition, entanglement) to process information in fundamentally new ways. Instead of classical bits, qubits can represent 0 and 1 simultaneously, allowing certain calculations to scale exponentially faster. While still in early stages, quantum computers are rapidly advancing. For example, IBM announced a 433-qubit “Osprey” processor in 2022newsroom.ibm.com (up from 127 qubits in 2021), with plans for a 1,121-qubit machine by 2023. These breakthroughs move us closer to solving problems that are intractable for today’s computers.
Quantum computing’s practical impact is still emerging. The most cited applications include cryptography (breaking or securing codes), optimization problems, and simulating quantum systems. For instance, quantum chemistry simulation could revolutionize drug discovery or new materials by accurately modeling molecules at the quantum level. Industries from finance to logistics experiment with quantum algorithms for portfolio optimization, risk analysis or supply-chain optimization. In fact, experts project the quantum technology market could reach up to $72 billion by 2035, with chemicals, life sciences, finance, and automotive among the fastest-growing sectorsmckinsey.com.
Governments and companies are investing heavily in quantum R&D. In 2024, global funding into quantum startups nearly doubled to ~$2.0 billionmckinsey.com. National initiatives (like the U.S. National Quantum Initiative, China’s quantum programs, EU and Japanese projects) aim to secure leadership in “quantum-safe” communications and computing. On the consumer side, some cybersecurity firms are already developing post-quantum encryption to anticipate future threats.
Real-world examples and implications:
Quantum Hardware: Tech companies like IBM, Google, and startups (e.g. D-Wave, IonQ, PsiQuantum) are racing to build larger, more reliable quantum processors. For example, IBM’s Osprey (433 qubits) and plans for a 4,000+ qubit system by 2025newsroom.ibm.com signal how hardware is scaling.
Quantum Algorithms: Early adopters include banks and pharmaceutical firms. Some financial institutions use quantum-inspired algorithms (simulated on classical hardware) to optimize trading strategies. Drug companies partner with quantum startups to test molecule simulations.
Quantum Communication: Beyond computing, quantum networks promise ultra-secure links. In 2025, scientists used a small satellite to send a quantum encryption key nearly 13,000 km from China to South scientificamerican.com, illustrating steps toward a global “quantum internet” for unhackable communications.
Cybersecurity: As quantum computers mature, they could crack current encryption (like RSA) by solving factorization quickly. This has spurred research into quantum-resistant cryptography. For now, major tech companies (IBM, Google) are developing "quantum-safe" security measures to prepare.
In summary, quantum computing is transitioning from theory to practice. Organizations are exploring their use, and progress in error correction and qubit stability is accelerating. Over the next decade, quantum technology is expected to unlock novel capabilities (e.g., simulating complex materials or executing ultra-fast optimizations) that will profoundly impact science, industry, and security.
Biotechnology
Biotechnology – the intersection of biology and technology – is delivering breakthroughs in medicine, agriculture, and sustainability. Recent advances include gene editing (CRISPR), cell and gene therapies, synthetic biology, and new vaccine platforms. These tools are moving quickly from research to the real world.
A striking example: in late 2023, the FDA approved Casgevy and Lyfgenia, the first cell-based gene therapies for sickle cell disease (fda.gov). Casgevy’s approval marked the first FDA-cleared therapy that uses CRISPR/Cas9 to edit patients’ own blood cellsfda.gov. Meanwhile, CAR-T cell therapies (genetically engineered immune cells for cancer) have become commercially available, with several FDA approvals in recent years. Biotechnology is also evolving vaccines: the mRNA technology behind COVID-19 vaccines is now being applied to cancer and rare diseases. In fact, about 70% of active mRNA vaccine trials in late 2024 targeted non-COVID conditions (31% on cancer; 69% on other diseases), cas.org, showing mRNA’s broadening promise.
Biotech’s practical implications are vast:
Personalized Medicine: Genomic sequencing and AI allow doctors to tailor treatments to an individual’s genetic profile. Precision diagnostics can detect diseases earlier (e.g., liquid biopsies for cancer).
New Therapies: Gene and cell therapies can potentially cure genetic disorders. For example, approved treatments now exist for sickle cell anemia and hemophilia using gene editingfda.gov.
Agriculture and Environment: Genome editing (CRISPR) is used to create disease-resistant crops or sustainable biofuels. Engineered enzymes and microbes can break down pollutants or produce biodegradable materials.
Biopharmaceutical Production: Advances in bio-manufacturing enable the production of complex biologics (e.g., monoclonal antibodies) more efficiently, lowering costs and increasing access to medicines.
Real-world examples:
Cell/Gene Therapy: Novartis, Vertex, and others now market gene-edited treatments for blood diseases. Research labs report cures of rare immune or metabolic disorders in trials using genetic engineering.
mRNA Vaccines Beyond COVID-19: Pharmaceutical companies are developing mRNA vaccines for influenza, RSV, Zika, and even personalized cancer vaccines. The mRNA platform’s flexibility (quick design, rapid production) has led to hundreds of vaccine candidates.
Diagnostic Tools: AI-enabled gene panels and imaging tools help clinicians make faster, more accurate diagnoses. For example, FDA-approved AI imaging apps can spot diabetic retinopathy in minutes.
Biotechnology is creating new markets: therapies like CAR-T have already grown into multi-billion-dollar industries. According to industry reports, the global cell and gene therapy market is rapidly expanding (valued in the low billions and climbing every year). These innovations promise more effective treatments for diseases that were once untreatable, but they also raise ethical and regulatory questions (e.g., gene editing ethics, biosecurity). Business leaders in biopharma and healthcare must weigh these considerations while leveraging biotech to improve patient outcomes.
5G & 6G Networks
The rise of 5G wireless is enabling a new era of connectivity. With dramatically higher speeds (gigabits per second), low latency, and the capacity to connect massive numbers of devices, 5G is transforming industries. For example, 5G networks support real-time remote healthcare: telemedicine consultations and even robotic surgeries become feasible with ultra-reliable video and minimal lag towardshealthcare.com. Industrial automation also benefits – factories use 5G-connected sensors and controllers to monitor equipment and manage logistics in real time. In transportation, 5G enables vehicle-to-everything communication (V2X) for smart traffic systems and safer autonomous driving.
A concrete impact is seen in healthcare IoT. Analysts forecast the global 5G healthcare market will surge from about $59 billion in 2024 to nearly $389 billion by 2034towardshealthcare.com. Underpinning this, 5G’s low-latency links allow live remote patient monitoring (wearable devices streaming data) and high-definition teleconsultations, improving access to care in rural areas. This level of connectivity also powers consumer applications: augmented reality (AR) shopping experiences, seamless video calls, and high-bandwidth gaming, all over mobile networks.
6G is the next frontier on the horizon (expected commercially around 2030ericsson.com). It will build on 5G but push capabilities even further – think “AI-native” networks and even lower latency (sub-millisecond) for immersive applications. Research suggests 6G could enable global coverage via integrated satellite links and new frequency bands (e.g. terahertz), supporting use cases like wide-area holographic communications and massive mixed-reality environments. According to industry timelines, pre-commercial 6G trials begin in the late 2020s, with standards and prototypes already in development at Ericsson.com.
Real-world examples and implications:
5G Deployment: Many cities worldwide already have 5G coverage. Telecom giants (Verizon, AT&T, Huawei, etc.) are building out 5G networks to serve smartphones, IoT devices, and business services (e.g. private 5G networks in factories).
Enhanced Mobile Broadband: Consumers using 5G smartphones enjoy faster downloads and smoother streaming. In some cases, 5G fixed wireless even replaces home broadband.
Industrial IoT: Companies like General Motors and Siemens use 5G in production lines for robotics and sensor networks. The low latency of 5G links robotics and cloud AI tightly together for real-time control.
Smart Cities: 5G supports high-resolution CCTV, traffic sensors, and smart lighting. For example, 5G-enabled cameras can feed live data for AI-based traffic management, reducing congestion.
Vision of 6G: In the coming decade, concepts like ubiquitous VR/AR, “digital twins” of physical infrastructure, and fully autonomous fleets may rely on 6G-level networks to function. For now, governments and companies (Ericsson, Nokia, and universities) are collaborating on 6G research, anticipating use cases like global IoT and enterprise-grade AR that exceed 5G’s abilities (Ericsson.com).
In summary, 5G is already here and changing connectivity, while 6G will extend those possibilities (higher speeds, pervasive AI services) by the 2030s. Business leaders should plan for the faster, more intelligent networks of tomorrow – from new consumer apps to industrial automation – as they will underpin the next wave of digital innovation.
Blockchain & Web3
Blockchain technology—the decentralized, tamper-evident ledger behind cryptocurrencies—is finding real-world use cases beyond Bitcoin. At its core, blockchain provides trust through transparency: every transaction is recorded in an immutable chain. This property is useful in many industries. For example, Walmart (with IBM and partners) uses blockchain for food traceability. By placing produce data on a Hyperledger blockchain, Walmart cut trace times dramatically: the team traced a package of mangoes to its farm in just 2.2 seconds (versus days via old systems)tech.walmart.com. Similar blockchain pilots track diamonds, tuna, or automotive parts, ensuring authenticity and reducing fraud across supply chains.
In finance, blockchain underpins Decentralized Finance (DeFi): peer-to-peer lending, decentralized exchanges, and stablecoins run on public blockchains like Ethereum. Though volatile at times, these systems demonstrate blockchain’s potential: smart contracts automate agreements without intermediaries. Major banks and startups alike are exploring tokens for asset management, and some governments are testing digital currencies (CBDCs) based on distributed ledger tech. Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) emerged in art and gaming as unique digital items on blockchains, sparking new digital commerce.
However, blockchain/Web3 still faces adoption hurdles (regulation, scalability, and hype cycles). That said, the move toward a Web3 vision of a more decentralized Internet is gaining attention: projects are working on decentralized identity, data ownership, and “metaverse” platforms built on blockchain.
Real-world examples:
Cryptocurrencies: Bitcoin and Ethereum are the most widely known blockchain apps. They serve as digital assets and settlement networks globally, with institutional adoption growing (e.g. some payment processors and companies holding crypto on balance sheets).
Smart Contracts: Ethereum’s platform enables automated contracts. Companies like Decentraland build virtual real estate; organizations like Uniswap (a decentralized exchange) handle billions in trades per year without a central server.
Supply Chain Tracking: As noted, retail and manufacturing firms (Walmart, Maersk, Ford) pilot blockchain to trace goods and ensure compliance. For instance, Ford uses blockchain to verify ethically sourced materials for car batteries.
Food & Pharmaceuticals: Hospitals are experimenting with blockchain to track drug provenance, and farms track crop conditions on the chain for food safety.
Overall, blockchain/Web3 represents a shift toward more transparent, decentralized systems. Businesses stand to benefit through reduced fraud and automation (e.g., automatic payments on supply milestones), but they must navigate technical and regulatory evolution. The core idea—shared, secure ledgers—means industries can reimagine processes (like finance or logistics) with new efficiency and trust.
Extended Reality (XR)
Extended Reality (XR) spans Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Mixed Reality (MR) – technologies that blend or replace the user’s view with digital content. These immersive techs are moving quickly into enterprise and consumer arenas. One prominent use is training and education: for example, Walmart has used VR to train over 1 million employees on safety and customer service scenarios. By simulating a retail environment in VR, trainees can experience high-stress events (like a store holiday rush) safely and repeat them until proficient. Similarly, industrial firms employ AR glasses on factory floors so workers can see assembly instructions overlaid on the real world, reducing errors (Boeing famously uses AR for airplane assembly).
XR also transforms collaboration and entertainment. Remote work takes on a new dimension with VR meeting rooms (where colleagues appear as avatars around a virtual table) or AR overlays that let field engineers see diagnostic data projected onto real equipment. In entertainment, VR gaming (e.g., Beat Saber, Half-Life: Alyx) and AR apps (Pokémon Go, Snapchat filters) have already engaged tens of millions of users. XR is even entering healthcare: surgeons use VR simulators for practice, and AR systems can assist in operations by highlighting critical anatomy in real-time.
This technology is catching on in business. As of 2024, over 65% of Fortune 500 companies were using VR for employee training or simulation. Companies like Boeing, Ford, and DHL deploy AR/VR for maintenance and logistics. Consumer hardware is also improving and becoming more affordable (standalone VR headsets like Meta Quest 2/3, AR glasses by various startups), which is widening adoption.
Use-case examples:
Workplace Training: Walmart’s VR training (through VR headsets) and Boeing’s AR assembly support have demonstrated measurable ROI (fewer training accidents, faster onboarding). XR Today reports enterprises see VR training as “solving concrete business problems” like safety and retention.
Design and Prototyping: Automotive and architecture firms use VR to walk through 3D models before building, saving time and cost. AR can let designers see potential products in real settings (e.g. IKEA AR app to preview furniture at home).
Gaming and Media: Companies like Meta (Facebook) and Sony are advancing VR headsets for gaming and social apps. VR and AR content consumption (from Netflix-style immersive videos to concert experiences) is predicted to grow as technology matures.
XR’s main promise is immersive interaction: it can make digital experiences more intuitive and engaging. As hardware gets more lightweight and software tools improve, expect XR to expand into retail (virtual showrooms), education (immersive classrooms), and beyond. However, challenges like motion sickness, content creation cost, and privacy (AR glasses raising surveillance concerns) must be managed.
Conclusion
The emerging technologies above each hold great promise on their own—but their true power lies in convergence. Imagine a future factory where AI manages production, 5G/6G networks connect millions of smart devices, XR interfaces allow humans to visualize processes in real-time, and quantum computing optimizes logistics. Or in healthcare, where biotechnology (genetic therapies, personalized medicine) is guided by AI diagnostics and supported by blockchain-secured patient records. These cross-cutting innovations will shape new business models and solutions.
Leaders in tech and business are already leveraging these tools: from banks investing in blockchain projects to hospitals piloting VR surgical training. As more real-world applications prove their value—like FDA-backed gene therapiesfda.gov or global 6G testbeds—adoption will accelerate. However, we must also prepare for the challenges: workforce reskilling, data privacy, ethical use, and ensuring equitable access.
In summary, the future is being built today at the intersection of AI, quantum, biotech, connectivity, decentralization, and immersive media. These technologies are not science fiction; they are reshaping industries now. By staying informed and adaptive, businesses and societies can harness “Emerging Tech” to drive innovation, efficiency, and new experiences. The visionary task ahead is to align these powerful capabilities with human values and goals, ensuring a future that is both cutting-edge and responsible.
